For women in particular, the upper arms sometimes remain droopy regardless of diet and exercise routines. This can be due to age, extreme or rapid weight fluctuation, or genetic predisposition. For many, loose skin or “bat wings” can cause frustration. An arm lift, or brachioplasty, helps patients achieve a more toned and youthful appearance in the arms.
What is Arm Lift Surgery?
During an arm lift, Dr. Kovanda removes excess skin and fat from the upper arm between the underarm and elbow. This is achieved through a small incision. When the excess tissue is removed, the skin is tightened to achieve a smooth appearance. The entire procedure usually lasts about two to four hours.
Arm Lift with Liposuction
Dr. Kovanda may use liposuction either in addition to an arm lift surgery or as a standalone procedure. During your consultation, you may learn that your insecurities can be addressed by removing excess fat alone and that you do not require an arm lift at all.
Who is a Candidate for Arm Lift Surgery?
The best candidates for an arm lift are at a healthy and stable weight. They have loose, hanging skin and isolated areas of fat in the upper arms and are generally healthy. Dr. Kovanda will review your medical history with you during a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
Recovering from an Arm Lift
Most patients experience swelling and bruising after their surgeries, and require compression bandages or garments as well as drainage tubes at the incision site. Swelling typically subsides within a week or two after the surgery, and most patients can return to work within this time frame. Dr. Kovanda will also likely prescribe you medication for any pain associated with the recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can underarm fat be removed?
Yes, excess skin and fat can both be removed during an arm lift rejuvenation surgery.
Do arm lift scars fade?
Yes. Although in most cases the scars are visible in certain positions, over time they will fade away so they wont be as noticeable in the years following arm lift surgery.
Do compression garments help with loose skin?
There is no non-surgical way to achieve significantly tighter skin when you have excess underarm skin.
Does arm lift leave a scar?
Yes, in most cases, a surgical arm lift will require a small incision through which fat can be removed and skin can be tightened.
Does arm lipo hurt?
Whether done as part of arm lift surgery or on its own, arm liposuction is a limited pain procedure with a quick recovery time.
Does insurance pay for arm lift?
As an elective cosmetic procedure, arm lifts are usually not covered by insurance as the aesthetic concern does not make it medically necessary.
How do you lose arm fat fast?
You can reduce the appearance of fatty upper arms through arm liposuction or an arm lift.
How long after Brachioplasty Can I exercise?
Dr. Kovanda recommends Brachioplasty patients take one to two weeks off work after the procedure, and may not allow exercise involving the arms for up to four weeks.
How long does it take for Brachioplasty scars to heal?
Scars from cosmetic surgeries such as Brachioplasty can take up to a year to fully heal and fade to be conspicuous.
How long does it take to recover from an arm lift?
Arm lifts take about a week before patients can go back to work, and up to four before resuming strenuous activities.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about arm lift surgery, please contact Kovanda Aesthetic Surgery. Request your consultation online or call (612) 335-9032.